Wichita eagle., 1887-01-22
9ai11 Eao1e
CORSICA'S BRIGANDS.
TRACKING THE OUTLAWS a WORK
OF THE GREATEST DIFFICULTY.

Hatred in Corsica is Keen Personal
GrudSes Handed Down from Generation
to observation-disclosures Impossible to
Stamp Out Brisandage.
The fact that an entire battalion of "chas-
seurs piedn has been recently ordered on
military expedition against single family or
banditti in Corsica has again called attention
to the singular state Of affairs existing in
that quarter of the French republic.
The name OF this pugnacious family is Bel
lacoccia, and comprises more than fifty per-
SONS, Old and young, women and children.
This is not the first military expedition that
has been sent against them, and they have
led this lawless existence for over thirty
years. They only marry among each other,
and even the youngest members OF the tribe
know how to handle a gun. Their boldness
is amazing, and they often visit Ajaccio in
disguise. but the inhabitants are SO afraid of
them that they never, Or scarcely ever, re-
port their movements to the authorities
Through the fear they inspire they are able
to obtain provisions and ammunition, and
when the ''gendarmerie" get on their trail
they are invariably warned by friendly vii
layers.
MANY HIDING PLACES.
The CONFORMATION of the island is also of
great assistance to the bandits: in fact it
would be almost impossible for them to lead
the wild life of outlaws elsewhere than in
Corsica Impenetrable forests, precipitous
rocks ard unexplored caverns render the task
of tracking these outlaws work of the great
est difficulty and no little danger. Corsica l.
divided by chain of mountains running
north and south, their sides being covered
with vigorous vegetation that reminds one
of the forests primeval of the new world.
On leaving Ajaccio to so to Bastia the road
at once rises ut sharp angle to the village
of BocoGnano, which was the starting point
of the column that has gone in search OF the
Bellacocca
1t must be borne in mind that the Corsi-
can banditti do not resemble those of other
countries. In nearly every case they have
taken to the forests to ayenge some personal
wrong. Hatred in Corsica is keen. 1t seems
to spring in the soil, flows in the blood and is
handed down from one generation to an
other Each individual feels it to be his
mission to administer justice according to
bis own IDEAS. In spite Of the influence of
the French, tho COrsican character still re-
tains many of its original features, and the
peaceful villager will direct bTigand on his
way, warn him of the dangers that threaten
him and even defend him in the hour of
need.
HARD TO STAMP OUT.
For this reason it has been found to be i'm
possible to stamp out brigandage by means
Of local militia. The Corsicans affect to
10 L., Int
kindly towards them. This 10 doubt arises
from the fact that deadly weapons being car
ried by the entire population of the island
murders are common, and the assassin flies
to the mountains and finds refuge with tn
bandits. Perhaps the only measure that
would lay the ak at tho root OF the evil
would BE- tbe passage Of decree forbiddins
the weariag OF deadly weapons. Could such
u law be enforced it would so far toward
e!Tecting the moral regeneration Of Corsica.
lii Italy, on the other hand, brigandage is
only another name for highway robbery aGc
has not even the excuse Of desire to wreak
personal vengeance that exists in Corsica.
For centuries the Italian brigands have car
ried things with a high hand. Villages have
been pilla@cd and ransomed. and Bologna
once paid TO the bandits 10G00 crowns in
gold annually TO purchase immunity from
these raids.
Pope Leo Y is said, on one occasion, to
have given dissolution TO 1900 brigands at
once, for these gentry are nothing if not
piOus. Indeed, it is told of the '.otorious
Mario Sciarra, that before numbering
bishop he fell on his knees and craved the
latter's blessing.
Even at the present day it isnot considered
safe for travellers to visit the ruins Of ancient
temples of the neighborhood of Naples with
out a military eScort-Paris Cor. New York
Graphic.